Tablet jacket with built‑in smartcard reader and folding kickstand
A protective jacket (case) for a tablet that integrates a smart card reader in a recess on the case back and a hinged cover that both seals the reader and folds out to act as a multi‑angle kickstand. The cover has a rubber sealing line around its inner edge to keep dust/water out when closed; when rotated out it supports the device at several viewing angles. Intended users are tablet owners who need card access and a protective, weather‑resistant case.
(57) What the patent covered
The main independent claim covers a tablet jacket with a back recess holding a smart card reader and smart card, plus a cover sized to fit that recess whose inner periphery carries a rubber line to seal the recess when closed; the same cover is hingedly movable so it can be rotated out of the back surface to act as a kickstand and hold the device at multiple viewing angles.
The distinctive part: Combines a sealed cover for an integrated smart card reader with a hinged cover that also functions as a multi‑angle kickstand.
Novelty 3/5. Integrating card readers into device cases and adding kickstand covers were known; this is a practical combination and specific sealing detail rather than a wholly new product class.
Making it
Injection‑molded plastic body (PC/ABS), overmolded or fitted rubber seal around cover perimeter, stamped/die‑cast metal hinge or molded hinge pin, assembly of smartcard reader module and hand/robotic final assembly.
Materials: polycarbonate or ABS case shell, elastomeric rubber seal (silicone or EPDM), stainless or zinc die‑cast hinge/fastener, plastic smart‑card reader module
Manufacturability 4/5. Several simple molded parts plus a hinge and an electronics module; needs typical tooling for case molds and sourcing of smartcard reader subassembly but no exotic manufacturing.
Is anyone buying?
This design, or something very close to it, is on sale now. Typical retail price: $262. Longstanding enterprise accessory line; official Office Depot listing with active pricing and product specs.
- HP ElitePad Security Jacket with SmartCard Reader · Office Depot$261.99
This demand check was run with a web search in the week of Oct 5, 2026. Listings change often, so treat it as a starting point for your own research.
Who buys it: professionals or enterprises using smart/security cards with tablets
Before you make it
We didn't find any related continuation or divisional patents still in force, although that doesn't rule out design patents, trademarks or unrelated patents covering the same product.
Practical issues include sourcing a compatible smartcard reader module and ensuring the cover seal keeps out dust/moisture to the needed IP level; market is niche and crowded.
Owners occasionally revive lapsed patents (about 1.5% are), and this page is a research lead rather than legal advice, so get a freedom-to-operate opinion before you manufacture anything.